Shampoozled

It used to be so simple. Hair fell into three categories: normal, dry or oily. But these days we’re inundated with a seemingly endless selection of shampoos and other hair care products that promise to treat absolutely everything. But does the type of shampoo you use really make a difference to your hair? Yes, says creative director of the Mandarin Salon Andrea Clarke, who has 25 year’s experience in hair care. “A lot of research has gone into producing effective products for all kinds of different hair types and scalp conditions,” she says, adding that “your choice of shampoo and conditioner will determine how your hair behaves, which is why it’s important to pick the right one.” Clarke suggests taking a good look at your hair type before shopping for a shampoo, and thinking through exactly what you want your hair to do. Here are some common problems and the best solutions depending on your hair type.

Oily Hair

The important thing to remember, according to Clarke, is that it’s your scalp, not your hair that secretes oil. “Regular shampooing does not produce more oil, so you should keep your scalp area clean by washing it regularly. Shampoos for oily hair are often deep cleansing, meaning they have a higher concentration of foaming agents and detergents. They may also contain keratin protein, which strengthens the hair and improves fullness.” Many people with oily hair tend to avoid conditioner, which Clarke says is the wrong thing to do. “Although you need to avoid moisturizing shampoos, you can still use a conditioner as long as you only apply it to the ends of your hair for detangling. Remember that even though your scalp is oily, the hair itself can be damaged at the ends.”

Try this: Hip Punch Shampoo, $225 From Sephora, Hollywood Plaza, Sai Yeung Choi St., Mong Kok, 2771-8061

Dry Hair

But while oily hair can be unsightly, dry, damaged hair is equally demoralizing, owing to its difficulty to manage. If your hair is damaged, chemically treated or just naturally dry, you need a special shampoo to restore it to health. “Shampoos for dry hair contain anti-humidity properties, ceramide for shine, and wheat protein for moisture and flexibility,” says Clarke.

Try this: VS Diamond Shine Moisturizing Shampoo, $62.90 from Manning’s, Watson’s, Park n’ Shop and Wellcome

Thickening Shampoo

Hair loss is caused by many different factors, including hormones, genetics and your overall health profile, and while many anti-hair loss products seem too good to be true, thickening shampoos really can help. Follicles can become blocked with various kinds of build-up, such as detritus from conditioners and other shampoos. This causes the hair that grows from the follicle to become thinner. Thickening shampoos remove this build-up, which allows the hair to grow back in a thicker, fuller condition. “Ingredients such as Piroctone Olamine will help clean up around the hair follicle, and anti-microbial agents help too,” says Clarke. So how best to treat thinning hair? “The best thing to do is to investigate the reasons behind your thinning hair, be sure to have a good diet, and then maintain hair health with quality products,” Clarke says. However, thickening shampoos are unlikely to work on alopecia sufferers or men with dead hair follicles as a result of male pattern baldness.